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World Tour Finals - Webnews

29.11.2010 | Tennis, Starseite 1

Federer and Nadal Rekindle a Rivalry

(The Wall Street Journal)

Tennis has a rivalry again. In London on Sunday, Roger Federer defeated Rafael Nadal 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 in the ATP World Tour Finals. Though the match wasn't a classic, it did much to reinvigorate a clash that recently had become one-sided. The 24-year-old Mr. Nadal had won six of their previous seven meetings and this season had distanced himself from the 29-year-old Mr. Federer by winning three-straight Grand Slam singles titles, including his first U.S. Open.

Even on his best days, Mr. Federer has had trouble with Mr. Nadal's high-bouncing forehand and endless hustle. Mr. Federer brought a new approach to London, though. Since he began working with Paul Annacone, Pete Sampras's former coach, this summer, Mr. Federer has taken more chances, hit his topspin backhand more often and looked for more opportunities to approach the net. His final charge Sunday began with an aggressive play one rarely sees these days: a serve return followed by an immediate approach to the net and two consecutive volleys. Mr. Federer rattled off the last five games and won all three of his break points, a rare feat against the Spaniard. Mr. Nadal has never won the season-ending championships, and he has never beaten Mr. Federer in an indoor match. And so yes, there's room for more in this rivalry in 2011 and beyond. May it never end.

Roger Federer versus Rafael Nadal is like Ali versus Frazier, but with racquets for gloves

(The Telegraph)

The greatest rivalries in sporting history have thrived on the highs and lows, the to’s and the fro’s, but they fade away when inevitability strikes. So there were moments after the second set of yet another fabulous chapter of the Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal saga here at the O2 Arena that it just felt that we might be witnessing the end of a thrilling duopoly and the advent of a Spanish monopoly.

We had been here before; Federer, the prince, forging ahead, offering shotmaking from the Gods, looking untouchable – “unplayable,” Nadal called his opening barrage – like the best there has ever been. Then finding himself being pegged back inexorably by tennis’s relentless dementor, the most astonishing athlete his sport has witnessed, sucking away his confidence and belief.

Federer confidence soaring again

(IOL sport)

Roger Federer's year-end triumph over world No.1 Rafael Nadal has given him a shot in the arm ahead of the 2011 season. He has proved the validity of tennis planning as the Swiss re-asserted himself once again at the elite level with his fifth year-end trophy lifted at the weekend over Rafael Nadal in London.

Federer's 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 defeat of the Spanish world No.1 at the World Tour Finals puts the Swiss straight back into the conversation when talk turns to the pair who currently dominate the game. Federer will head off on a well-deserved family holiday, confident that his 2010 planning and dedication to detail has paid off in huge confidence dividends.

The 29-year-old is quick to praise his coaching team of old hand Severin Lüthi and new American hire Paul Annacone for helping him turn the corner this season to end with five titles from nine finals.

Roger Federer is unplayable, admits beaten Rafa Nadal

(mirror)

Rafa Nadal claimed Roger Federer had been "unplayable" after the Swiss superstar ended his season in style last night.

By winning the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, world No.2 Federer avenged his defeat in their last London meeting - the epic Wimbledon final of 2008. And his sensational brand of attacking tennis showed the 29-year-old still has the hunger and ability to win back the status as the best player on the planet.

Federer eyes return to top in 2011 after ATP win

(AFP)

Roger Federer believes his ATP World Tour Finals triumph against Rafael Nadal will provide him with the perfect springboard to return to the top in 2011. Although Federer is publicly adamant he has nothing to be disappointed about over the last 12 months, privately he will feel a nagging sense of regret at the loss of the world number one ranking to Nadal, who also took the French Open and Wimbledon titles from the Swiss star.

That was what made the 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 victory over Nadal in the final at London's O2 Arena on Sunday so significant for the world number two. In Federer's mind, his record-equalling fifth title in the prestigious end-of-year event was secondary to the message the win sent to Nadal and his other rivals at the top of the rankings.

Federer tops Nadal for season-ending title

(The Washington Post)

Roger Federer turned his high-profile, season-ending match against Rafael Nadal into little more than an exhibition.

Federer gave his rival little chance to mount a challenge in the 22nd meeting between two of the greatest players of all time, winning his fifth season-ending title, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1, at the ATP World Tour Finals on Sunday in London.

Federer won an incredible 92 percent of the points played on his first serve in the final, and lost only 13 points on serve in the entire match.

Enjoyed your post & agreed with it.
Who are these commentators?
One of THE best for me was during the recent WTFinals 1st set 3 all Roger was serving at 0-30. One of the dreary/boring commentators [J.G or R.K]said"now this shows why Nadal is the best as he CAN handle pressure, difficult for Roger to do so!" As we now know Roger went on to win the set 6-3!!!

I am still laughing --another reason why I rely on my own observations/knowledge and not the 'experts'
Margaret

you break a lot of record and you still the best player of all timed..and i'm happy you still around playing your tennis..1 to 3 years from now i hope i will see and watch you playing live in any slam title...keep it up and goodluck!!

This Wall Street Journal thing does not deserve attention on this web site. Who is making these calls anyway? I'm pretty sure the Federer/Nadal rivalry never really died. It might have been put back to a simmer but while that happened a few other rivalries also made it to the back burners as well. Who is so shallow to think that tennis needs a single rivalry to make things interesting?

This Wall Street Journal thing does not deserve attention on this web site. Who is making these calls anyway? I'm pretty sure the Federer/Nadal rivalry never really died. It might have been put back to a simmer but while that happened a few other rivalries also made it to the back burners as well. Who is so shallow to think that tennis needs a single rivalry to make things interesting?

That is some of the best news I have ever heard in my life!! And yes, Federer's game has become considerably different, only adds to the thrill of watching him play!! I hope he gets back to World No 1 soon, because that is what he is, NO 1!!!! Love ya Federer!!!